2/7/2021

When They Call You A Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and Asha Bandele

I can’t think of book that is as painful to read - the only thing that comes close might be my experience reading Maus, as a nine or ten year old. I found my brother’s copy in the basement and practically swallowed it whole, then was haunted by it. Nothing has hit me as hard since and I don’t think of it often, but this brought it back.

The most difficult part is that the tone of the book is so utterly matter of fact – this author almost seems numb to the pain. Except she isn’t – she’s not. She’s felt everything and that’s the point. The story of her family, the private experiences she shares felt like a wrench twisting my insides. I cannot fathom the fear and pain her mother felt.